How to Study in College

So you have a huge exam tomorrow morning that you have yet to begin studying for. Need a little advice? Here are 5 tips to help you ace it:

1- Shut Down Your Facebook

Yea, that's right- go ahead and log out, X out, do whatever you have to do to get that Facebook page gone. I know you think you can study and still check your friend's updates or chat for a little while, but believe me it doesn't really work. I am guilty of spending too much time on Facebook when trying to study, and it doesn't ever work out too well. Go ahead and close out of it so that you can keep your mind on what is really important. How can you possibly start studying if you are too busy trying to figure out what your friends are doing or when the next big party is? Save that stuff for after your exam- when you can celebrate acing it!

2- Turn Off the TV

This is kind of like the whole Facebook thing. You've got to get rid of your distractions. I know it's Thursday night and your favorite shows are coming on, but that's why someone created TiVo. It's a great investment. If you don't have it, however, there are several options these days, like watching shows on the Internet. So go ahead and turn the TV off, how can you really enjoy what you are watching when you are stressing out about when you're going to study for your big exam? You can't. Help yourself out and eliminate this form of procrastination.

3- Go to the Library or a Quiet Room

Based on my college experience, I know that it can be very difficult to concentrate when you are trying to study in a dorm room or even in an apartment. You have roommates and friends wanting to talk about any and everything, and you're surrounded by loud music, television, and just the simple distraction of the things in your room. This is why I recommend going to the library or to a quiet room. If you live in a dorm, there are usually study halls on your floor or somewhere in your building where you can go for a bit of silence. It really helps to sit at the table, lay out your work and study each piece with no one to bother you.

4- Get Your Energy Snacks Ready

Because most college students tend to put studying off until the very last night, it would probably be a good idea to get some energy- you might have a long night! Grab some coffee, soda, or an energy drink and some sort of snack that will keep you alert and functioning. It's a good idea to go ahead and take them with you so that you don't have to stop in the middle of studying and get them. Although, it is good to take a little break every now and then, so stopping to go to the vending machine might not be such a bad idea- as long as you hit the books soon after.

5- Make Yourself Do It

The biggest factor in studying for an exam or presentation is simply the mental portion of you not wanting to do it. You have to tell yourself that you are going to study, and you are not going to let anything distract you. So what if your friends want to go to the movies, or go outside and shoot some hoops. You procrastinated and you need to get a good grade on this project. So just do it! You will be thankful later when you have it done and when you see that awesome grade on your paper.